https://diastasisrehab.comAlso known as Diastasis Recti.
Big words, what do they mean? For this website, they are refering to overweight seniors. Not all but some of us have this condition. Its found in men and women and myself. The cause is from genitics to child birth and age of course.
RAD Defined
Rectus Abdominis Diastasis is an anatomic term describing a condition in which the two rectus (abdominal) muscles are separated by an abnormal distance ( more than an inch).
Acquired RAD can result from any number of conditions that weaken the “linea alba” ( the fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen in humans). This fibrous structure is connected to the rectus abdominis muscles at the vertical midline ( your six pack abs). When these muscles are moved apart the belly will bulge, also called a beer belly or in women a mommy tummy.
Without proper attention, exercise adaptations, or workout modification, diastasis recti can linger on for years. Though not considered an urgent care emergency, when the internal organs don’t have the full support of the abdominal muscles, men can experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Indicators include; difficulty performing certain movements or exercises, back pain, constipation, and (in rare cases) damage to the area with improper lifting which may even result in a hernia!
Repairing RAD
The Tupler Technique is an evidence-based exercise program to treat diastasis recti. This was developed by Julie Tupler, an RN, and expert in the treatment of rectus abdonminis diastasis. The treatment works for both men and women and accomplished by doing the following, which was found at “https://www.daimanuel.com/2016/02/17/diastasis-recti-in-men-what-you-need-to-know/”
1. Continuously approximating or bringing both the connective tissue and muscles closer together with the Diastasis Rehab Splint®. This takes the stretch off the “stretched-out” connective tissue and puts the connective tissue in a better position to heal and do the Tupler Technique® exercises. This also puts the outermost abdominal muscles in a better position to do the exercises. To strengthen abdominal muscles they must be close together and move from the front to back. When they are separated they will move sideways which not only does not strengthen the muscles but it stretches the connective tissue.
2. Protect the connective tissue from getting stretched from activities and movements that stretch it (i.e crunches, forward crossover movements, downward-facing abdominals or movements that flare the ribs).
3. Develop transverse awareness and strength with the Tupler Technique® exercises so the transverse muscle can then be used with activities of daily living and also while working out. The Tupler Technique® exercises for diastasis recti will put tension on the “splinted” connective tissue which will help to make it stronger.
Below is additional reading found at DC-dermdocs.com
Those that are familiar with diastasis recti often identify it as an issue that women commonly experience post-pregnancy.
But did you know that it can also present in men and that heavy-weight body builders and professional athletes are the most prone to abdominal muscle separation?
In fact, diastasis recti in men is more prevalent than you may assume and is frequently misdiagnosed despite causing cosmetic and functional issues.
Keep reading to learn more about this condition, including the causes and symptoms of diastasis recti in men.
What Is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti occurs when excess pressure in exerted on abdominal muscles, it can cause them to separate and allow contents to protrude through the abdominal wall.
It’s also associated with a stretching and thinning of the connective tissue that binds the vertical muscles on each side of your belly button, known as abdominis recti.
What Causes Diastasis Recti in Men?
Diastasis recti in men develops gradually over time and is often misdiagnosed as a beer belly or weight gain.
While it’s usually caused by pregnancy in women, researchers have identified four causes of the condition in male patients.
To most common contributing factor is improper exercise and weight-lifting, especially when it comes to sit-ups, crunches, push-ups, and front planks.
In addition, excess weight and obesity can also place undue stress on abdominal muscles and cause them to separate and weaken. It’s important to note that this can be caused my muscle or adipose tissue and that’s why it’s commonly seen in heavy-weight bodybuilders.
Family history is another reason that men may encounter diastasis recti, and if their father or grandfather had it, then they are more susceptible to it as well.
Finally, age and certain medical conditions such as cirrhoisis of the liver and abdominal wall cancer may be other culprits of diastasis recti in men.
What Are the Associated Symptoms?
The hallmark sign of diastais recti in men is a vertical bulge that appears between abdominal walls when men do a crunch or get up from lying or sitting down.
Other symptoms that may be less distinguishable, but can signal abdominal separation include:
Constipation, lower back pain, urinary incontinence, difficulty breathing, discomfort in body movements, and a weakened core.
For additional information on the causes and symptoms of diastasis recti in men, please call DC Derm Docs today to schedule a consultation.
